The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Reasons Why Carmella Left WWE And Her Current Status In 2025

The question of "what happened to Carmella" has dominated wrestling discourse since the former SmackDown Women's Champion disappeared from WWE television, and the full, shocking truth has only recently come to light. As of December 15, 2025, the woman known to fans as Carmella, whose real name is Leah Van Dale, is officially no longer a WWE Superstar, marking a definitive end to her decade-long career with the company. Her departure was not a typical wrestler release but a complex, deeply personal decision rooted in a challenging health journey and the expiration of her contract after a long-term hiatus. The reality is that her exit was a culmination of a difficult period following the birth of her first child, which involved significant health complications that made a return to the ring uncertain. This article explores the five critical factors—from contract status to her personal health battles—that led to her leaving the WWE and what her life looks like now as she embraces a new chapter focused on family and well-being.

Complete Biography and Profile: Leah Van Dale (Carmella)

Leah Van Dale is an American professional dancer, model, and former professional wrestler known globally for her tenure in WWE under the ring name Carmella. She was celebrated for her "Fabulous" persona and for making history during her career.

• Ring Name: Carmella
• Real Name: Leah Van Dale
• Date of Birth: October 23, 1987
• Age (as of 2025): 38
• Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Resides: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Family: Married to WWE Commentator Corey Graves (Matthew Polinsky).
• Children: Son, Dimitri (born November 2023). Expecting second child (announced 2025).
• Father: Paul Van Dale (former professional wrestler).
• WWE Debut: June 2013 (WWE Performance Center)
• Last WWE Match: March 2023
• WWE Status: Contract expired in early 2025.
• Major Career Achievements: First-ever Ms. Money in the Bank (2017), SmackDown Women's Champion (2018), WWE Women's Tag Team Champion (with Queen Zelina), and a former contestant on the reality show Total Divas.

The Contract Expiration: Why Carmella's WWE Tenure Ended in 2025

The most direct answer to "what happened to Carmella" is the expiration of her WWE contract in early 2025. After a decade with the company, her deal was not renewed, officially making her a free agent. This was a significant shift, as she had been a mainstay on the roster since 2013, starting in NXT and later moving to the main roster as part of the initial brand split.

Her final match for WWE took place in March 2023. Following that brief return, she was sidelined again, but this time for a very different reason than a typical wrestling injury. The timing of her contract expiration, while she was already out of action, created a natural point for both parties to transition away.

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Carmella has since spoken candidly about the departure, noting that she had pitched a return to the company in 2024, but complications from her pregnancy made that timeline impossible. Ultimately, the company chose not to renew her contract, which she believes was largely due to the health issues she was facing post-pregnancy.

The Health Battle: Drop Foot and Post-Pregnancy Complications

Carmella’s absence from the ring was primarily due to a challenging health journey that began during her pregnancy. After giving birth to her son, Dimitri, in November 2023, she was diagnosed with a condition known as drop foot. Drop foot is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause the toes to drag on the ground when walking.

She revealed that the condition, which she described as a major health setback, was a direct complication of the delivery. Specifically, she suffered from herniated discs during the delivery, which led to nerve damage and the subsequent drop foot diagnosis. This condition significantly impacted her mobility and made the high-impact demands of a professional wrestling career impossible in the short term.

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The recovery process for drop foot is extensive and unpredictable, requiring physical therapy and time. While she was anticipating a return to the ring, the reality of her physical state meant she had to put her career on hold to prioritize her health and her new role as a mother. This unexpected physical battle became the dominant reason for her prolonged hiatus and eventual contract non-renewal.

A New Chapter: Motherhood, Corey Graves, and Second Pregnancy

While her professional wrestling career has paused, Carmella's personal life has flourished, providing a definitive answer to where she is now. Her focus has entirely shifted to her family with her husband, WWE commentator Corey Graves (Matt Polinsky).

The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Dimitri, in November 2023. This journey to motherhood was particularly meaningful, as Carmella had been open about her fertility struggles and previous miscarriages. Her openness about these personal challenges resonated deeply with fans, making her a powerful advocate for women's health and fertility awareness.

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In a major update in 2025, Carmella and Corey Graves announced that they are expecting their second child together. This news solidifies her current priority: expanding her family. Her life has transitioned from the rigorous, high-travel schedule of a WWE Superstar to the demanding, yet rewarding, role of a full-time mother and wife.

This new passion for her family life and health has not only given her a new purpose but has also led her to explore other ventures outside of the wrestling industry, including speaking out about her journey and finding a new platform to connect with fans on a more personal level.

The Legacy of Carmella: First Ms. Money in the Bank

Despite her quiet departure, Carmella's legacy in WWE is secure. She was a crucial figure in the women's evolution, known for her charismatic personality and ability to garner heat from the audience.

Her most historic achievement came in 2017 when she became the first-ever winner of the Women's Money in the Bank ladder match. This win cemented her status as a top-tier talent and led directly to her winning the SmackDown Women's Championship in 2018.

She also held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship with Queen Zelina, showcasing her versatility across different divisions. Her "Fabulous" gimmick, combined with her dance background and undeniable presence, made her one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures of her generation.

Even though her WWE contract expired, the door for a future return to professional wrestling is never fully closed. However, for now, Leah Van Dale is focused on her health, her recovery from drop foot, and the beautiful, growing family she has built with Corey Graves.